9, Dec 2024
JBCN Borivali’s Literary Oasis Sparks a New Wave of Readers and Changemakers
December 9th 2024, Mumbai: JBCN International School, Borivali, recently concluded activities of its long-term ongoing learner-driven initiative, Literary Oasis. The initiative, aimed at promoting the joy of reading and curiosity amongst school-goers, this time focused on setting up two reading stations with 400 books at MBH School; and organising a book donation drive comprising over 250 books at Gyantara Academy on Children’s Day.
The Literary Oasis event, held on the occasion of Children’s Day, at Gyantara Academy in Kandivali East, focused on establishing a new library. JBCN learners organised a book donation drive, collecting 250 pre-loved books for this purpose. The event included the inauguration of Gyantara Academy’s library, celebrated in conjunction with Children’s Day. Thirty Gyantara learners and JBCN faculty participated, with Ms. Ajanta Rajpati Yadav owner of Gyantara Academy, serving as the chief guest.
Ms Debika Chatterji, Director Principal of JBCN International School, Borivali said, “Ever since learners have taken charge of large and continuous projects such as the Literary Oasis, the success of the events continue to assure us that we have taken the right steps to foster learner leadership and holistic education. Also, it is heartening to know that the love for reading persists and will continue to enrich the upcoming generations.”
The October leg of the initiative saw the culmination of a learner-driven project focused on establishing two reading stations at MBH School. Learners from JBCN International School, Borivali, organised a book donation drive, collecting 400 pre-loved books. These books were then thoughtfully divided between two reading stations, one on the ground floor and one on the second floor of MBH School, creating diverse collections to cater to a wide range of interests. The enthusiastic response from MBH learners and teachers underscored the success of this initiative.
Learners who were part of the Literary Oasis projects witnessed a wave of enthusiasm among the participants who were actively browsing through the newly established reading stations. According to the organisers, similar interest has been witnessed across the chapters of the initiative right from the inaugural event of the project, which was held at Whispering Palm in Lokhandwala Township, Kandivali (East) in October 2023.
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- By Rabindra
9, Dec 2024
Pernod Ricard India’s Rural Initiatives Benefit Over 10,000 Farmers Every Year
Mumbai, 9th December 2024: Pernod Ricard India (PRI), a worldwide leader in the spirits and wine industry, is bolstering rural development with its transformative initiatives in sustainable agriculture and community empowerment. PRI’s CSR Programs on WAL (Water, Agriculture, Livelihoods) work with more than 10,000 farmers every year, fostering resilience, innovation, and inclusivity in the agricultural sector. The major focus of WAL is safeguarding year-round access to water to communities (4,484 million litres of groundwater recharge potential generated with 2,355 structures since 2019), promoting micro-irrigation for improved production, drought resilience, resource optimization and creating local value chains. So far, it has successfully increased the agricultural yield by 20% and reduced input costs by 22%.
PRI’s focus on collective success is evident through its 8 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across 5 states of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, enhancing the livelihood of more than 4,000 farmers in 150 villages. These FPOs led by small and marginal farmers foster collaboration, equip them with scientific knowledge, and provide access to critical resources like inputs, credit, and market intelligence.
Women empowerment is a cornerstone of PRI’s inclusive development initiatives. PRI is fostering entrepreneurial leadership among women through its 56 Women Producer Groups. Women-led microenterprises thrive in Nashik, with innovative projects like tomato polytunnels, flour mills, and sewai machines spanning 3 villages, 7 SHGs and 60 women. In Kanpur PRI’s initiatives in papad-making and mustard oil production in Behror have transformed traditional skills into thriving, sustainable enterprises. With women now comprising 50% of FPO board members and 35% of its shareholders, PRI’s initiatives are rewriting the narrative of gender equity in rural economies.
Gagandeep Sethi, Senior Vice President, Integrated Operations and S&R (Sustainability & Responsibility), said, “At Pernod Ricard India, our S&R initiatives are guided by the “Good Times from a Good Place” philosophy. The WAL initiative is at the forefront of all our sustainability efforts. It reflects our commitment to sustainable agriculture by empowering communities with water security, innovative practices, and meaningful impact. Through IoT technology and AI- driven analytics, PRI is driving lasting impact with data-driven insights that empower farmers to optimize resources and track sustainability metrics with precision.”
PRI’s Community Resource Centres (CRCs) serve as vital knowledge hubs, bridging traditional farming with modern agricultural practices. Offering targeted training programs, real-time market insights, and essential resources, these CRCs empower farmers to make informed decisions, improve yields, and ensure long-term sustainability. Additionally, 8 PRI’s ‘Kisan Sansadhan Kendras’ (Custom Hiring Centres) provide mechanized tools to 4,250 farmers across 82 villages, promoting access to mechanization in agriculture, resulting in increased productivity.
Through its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, PRI continues to be a transformative force in rural India. Its holistic approach not only addresses the immediate needs of farmers but also ensures long-term prosperity for the communities it serves. PRI’s initiatives create a ripple effect across the agricultural value chain, enhancing the livelihoods of farmers, empowering women, and paving the way for a future where rural economies thrive sustainably.
9, Dec 2024
Universal Sompo and CRY Join Forces to Support Education for Marginalized Communities in Andhra Pradesh
9th December 2024 – Universal Sompo General Insurance Collaborates with CRY to Empower Education for Marginalized Communities in Andhra Pradesh.
Universal Sompo announced its collaboration with Child Rights and You (CRY) to foster educational opportunities for children in marginalized communities in Andhra Pradesh. The partnership comes on the eve of inauguration of Universal Sompo’s new corporate office in Mumbai. The initiative aims to address barriers to education and equip students with the tools needed to pursue professional courses and brighter futures. This program will directly benefit 114 students and 82 families, empowering communities by facilitating access to professional courses and better career opportunities.
The collaboration will initiate an educational project aimed at establishing Remedial Tuition Centres specifically for 10th and 12th-grade students. The project aims to prepare students for their board examinations over a three-month period (Jan to March 2025), ensuring that all enrolled 10th and 12th graders successfully appear for these critical assessments. The initiative seeks to improve learning outcomes, particularly in challenging subjects like Mathematics and Science, guide students toward professional and science-based education streams. Additionally, the initiative includes career counselling to assist students in making informed decisions about pursuing science and mathematics streams in intermediate education, as well as engineering or medical courses in tertiary education.
Sharad Mathur, MD & CEO, Universal Sompo, remarked, “Our collaboration with CRY represents our commitment to empowering communities and fostering sustainable development. Education is the cornerstone of progress, and through this initiative we aim to help children achieve academic excellence and unlock their potential for a brighter future. As the appointed insurer for the state of Andhra Pradesh, Universal Sompo continues to contribute to regional development, aligning its efforts with its mission to create meaningful social impact.”
Kreeanne Rabadi, Regional Director, CRY – West States, “We are honoured to be associated with Universal Sompo in our mission to empower children through education. For four decades now, CRY has been instrumental in changing lives of lakhs of children across the country. We hope this collaboration empowers more young children in a positive way.”
9, Dec 2024
Delhi Public School Nashik Brings Together Culture and Creativity at Katha Festival 2024
Nashik, 9th December, 2024…..Delhi Public School, Nashik, proudly hosted the Katha Festival 2024, the city’s most awaited literature and edutainment event, on the 30th of November and 1st of December. Renowned for its grandeur and unparalleled experience, Katha has firmly established itself as a hallmark event eagerly anticipated by the students, their parents and the people of Nashik. This year, the overwhelming response from the community was so immense that the school had to close registrations early, reaffirming its status as Nashik’s largest and most celebrated festival of its kind.
Alongside Katha, Naadroop, another signature event of the school, showcased the exceptional skills students have cultivated through year-long non-sporting activities. Together, these events provided unlimited opportunities for children to learn, explore, and enjoy.
The festival brought together eminent personalities and a diverse range of activities, blending education, creativity, and entertainment. Storytelling sessions by celebrated speakers such as Ms. Charmi Gandhi, Mr. Chetan Vohra, Ms. Mukta Kukreja, and Ms. Neeru Bakshi captivated audiences, making them aware of the beauty of stories. Fun attractions like the Silent Disco, Horror Room, Kathputli, and Laser Room thrilled both children and parents, leaving them yearning for more.
The Vault of Ages Museum, showcasing old coins, stamps, and weapons, offered a fascinating glimpse into history. Performances like B-boying, Dhol Tasha, Jembe, Bharatnatyam, and Kathak mesmerized the crowd, while workshops on Vikram Sarabhai Rocketry, drones, and science experiments inspired young minds to aspire for greatness. Cultural highlights such as the Malkhamb performance and a play on Shivaji Maharaj brought India’s rich heritage to life.
Creative activities like Paintomania, pottery, and 3D printing encouraged students to explore their artistic potential, while face painting, caricature drawing, and the kid zone kept attendees engaged. Adventure activities like rope climbing added to the excitement. Sessions by Mr. Manish Freeman and Peekaboo kept students entertained, and a parenting session by Ms. Mansi Zaveri, founder and CEO of Kidsstoppress offered valuable insights for parents. The storytelling session Mughal Darbar me Macha Hangama and a puppetry show added layers of fun and tradition to the event.
The entrepreneurial spirit of DPS Nashik students shone brightly as their stalls sold products like hotcakes. A special appearance by renowned Indian film actor Mr. Chinmay Udgirkar further elevated the festival’s appeal. Performances such as the Superhero Showdown by DPS students and the electrifying MH 15 Live Band had everyone tapping their feet. The stunning art displays created by students to decorate the school campus were a testament to their creativity and hard work.
DPS Nashik has once again set a benchmark for holistic development and success, creating an event that inspires learning, exploration, and joy for students and the community alike. Under the visionary leadership of Director, Mr. Siddharth Rajgharia, and Principal, Mrs. Shilpa Ahirey, the festival was a resounding success, leaving the city eagerly awaiting the next edition of Katha.
9, Dec 2024
Varthana Raises USD 15 Million from BlueOrchard Microfinance Fund to Revolutionize India’s Education Sector
Bengaluru, India
9 December, 2024
Varthana, a leading Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) dedicated to transforming affordable private education in India, has successfully received USD 15 million (120 crores) funding from BlueOrchard Microfinance Fund, managed by BlueOrchard, a leading impact investor, through the External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) framework. Varthana provides loans to affordable private schools and students pursuing domestic higher education in India.
This funding marks a significant milestone for Varthana as it advances its mission to make quality education both accessible and affordable in underserved communities across India. The funds will be strategically utilized to expand Varthana’s lending portfolio, providing private schools and vocational students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with essential financial support for infrastructure enhancement and skill-based learning initiatives.
This partnership with BlueOrchard Microfinance Fund underscores the trust in Varthana’s vision to bridge the education gap in India by empowering affordable education institutions and improving learning outcomes for millions of students. Through its innovative solutions, Varthana has enabled thousands of private schools to upgrade their facilities and enhance teaching standards, driving measurable improvements in student success.
Commenting on the significance of this funding, Mr. Steve Hardgrave, the CEO of Varthana, said: “We are thrilled to receive this second round of funding from BlueOrchard Microfinance Fund, which strengthens our commitment to transforming education in underserved communities. These funds will allow us to reach more schools and families, enabling them to access the resources they need to create impactful learning environments. We are driving meaningful change and empowering the next generation with better opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.”
Varthana has played a crucial role by financing more than 11,000 affordable private schools and facilitating over 16,500 loans for school expansion and renovation. With a presence in 16 states/union territories and 40 branches, Varthana also extends its services to Tier III and Tier IV cities, significantly contributing to fostering accessible education in India.
Yan Kit Lee, Head of Originations, Asia, at BlueOrchard Investments (Singapore) Pte Ltd, stated: “This facility represents BlueOrchard and Varthana’s mutual commitment and recognition of inclusive education’s crucial role in achieving sustainable development, and uplifting the future generations of India. We are excited to journey alongside Varthana as they continue to transform the affordable education sector at scale.”
9, Dec 2024
Mount Litera Zee School Launches Revolutionary ‘Litera Nova’ Pedagogy and New Visual Identity
National, 09 December 2024 – Mount Litera Zee School (MLZS), Zee Learn Limited’s flagship brand and a pioneer in the field of K-12 education, marked a significant milestone today with the introduction of its transformative curriculum, Litera Nova. The LiteraVerse unveiling marked the dual launch celebration of innovation, symbolizing the institution’s commitment to shaping future-ready learners through cutting-edge pedagogy. Zee Learn also unveiled new brand and visual identity of MLZS, keeping in mind the changing times & requirements of the sector.
The LiteraVerse event showcased the philosophy behind Litera Nova – a unique curriculum, an innovative pedagogy and a feature-laden and adaptive learning app that empowers learners to unleash their potential and shine as stars in their respective domains. The launch at the LiteraVerse event was received with applause by all the business partners of the network who said they were privileged to be a part of history being created, symbolizing the spirit of Litera Nova. The word “Nova,” derived from Latin, signifies “new” and reflects the transformative journey of an individual toward brilliance, akin to a star radiating newfound energy.
Mr. Manish Rastogi, CEO and Whole-Time Director, Zee Learn Limited shared his enthusiasm, “Litera Nova is more than a curriculum—it’s a movement which draws inspiration from the needs of society in the coming future. It equips every Mount Literian with the tools to discover their unique potential and to shine brightly in an ever-evolving world.” He also added “Our new brand and visual identity represents not just a visual change but a commitment to our vision of the future of education. It embodies our belief that every learner is unique and has the potential to shine as a star in their unique light.”
The Brand Identity and Visual Identity: A Symbol of Aspiration
The redesigned brand identity of Mount Litera Zee School encapsulates the vision of a modern, learner-centred education system. It symbolizes uniqueness, unity, growth, and the boundless potential within every child. With its sleek and dynamic design, the brand identity aligns with the institution’s mission to create an environment where learners are inspired to excel in all dimensions of life.
The visual identity of the Mount Litera Zee School has also been transformed to create a campus that makes a statement. Ergonomically designed classrooms and furniture foster an environment of comfort and happiness. The vibrant ambience of the various facilities like the cafeteria, music/art room, swimming pool, basketball court, football field and more unleashes creativity and energy paving the way for unrelenting champions and superstars.
Mr. Anish Shah, CFO, Zee Learn Limited said, “The rebranding exercise was undertaken keeping in mind the changing times and requirements of the sector. Litera Nova’s most striking feature is that it places learners at the center of their educational journey by leveraging equitable education and brain-based learning principles. With diagnostic tools grounded in neuroscience, the curriculum identifies a student’s Unique Learner Profile (ULP), enabling personalized learning pathways that nurture each child’s unique talents and aspirations.”
This innovative curricular and co-curricular program offering has positioned us as a one-stop learning solution provided for our partners, parents and students. Programs like leadership skills, language fluency, motion animation, cricket, robotics and AI/coding and human skills development are aimed at nurturing the well-rounded personality of every learner.
Aligning with Zee Learn’s overarching vision, the Litera Nova pedagogy is a leap forward in redefining education. It equips learners not just to thrive academically but to become empathetic, innovative, and socially responsible leaders of tomorrow. As Mount Litera Zee School embarks on this exciting journey, it reaffirms our commitment to transforming education and empowering learners to create a brighter future.
9, Dec 2024
Investors Eye NHC Foods Rights Entitlement (NHCFO-RE) as a Potential Multibagger Stock
Mumbai, 9th Dec, 2024: NHC Foods Limited is emerging as a promising multibagger stock, driven by impressive financial performance and strategic growth initiatives.
The Rights issue of this prominent exporter of agricultural commodities and spices, NHC Foods offers a lucrative opportunity for new investors through the Rights Entitlement (RE) mechanism.
Right share priced at ₹1 per share, well below its market value of ₹3.21 as of December 3, 2024, this offering allows investors to buy shares at an attractive price of Rs. 1. Investors can purchase few NHC Foods REs (NHCFO-RE) and buy any portion of the Rights Issue at ₹1 per share, offering a strategic and cost-efficient way to gain exposure to a rapidly growing company.
NHC’s 6 months PAT of H1FY25 is 405 lacs which already surpasses the full year PAT of 235 lacs achieved in FY24. For long-term investors, this rights issue presents a valuable proposition to enhance their portfolios while benefiting from the company’s growth trajectory. This approach broadens the investor base and offers a chance to benefit from NHC Foods’ ongoing success, which includes over 375% profit growth and 50% plus revenue gains in the recent quarters.
With strategic plans focusing on innovation and global expansion, the company presents a compelling case for those looking to tap into its growth potential through this rights issue. Management’s focus on technology, R&D, and product innovation, alongside an emphasis on global market diversification, positions NHC Foods for sustained long-term growth.
The subscription window for NHCFO- RE (Rights Entitlement) will remain open from December 5 to December 12, 2024. The record date for NHC Foods Limited’s ₹47.42 crore rights issue was November 26, 2024.
The 3 Star Export House, NHC Foods with exports to 30+ countries is famous for some leading and signature brands like Indi Bite, Eat’mor and Saaz.
To conclude, investors must purchase few NHCFO-RE and then buy and apply for any amount of right issue at Rs.1 against current market price of Rs. 3.21.
9, Dec 2024
Maison Sia Opens Its Elegant New Flagship Store in the Capital
New Delhi — Maison Sia is proud to unveil its flagship store in New Delhi, offering an enticing blend of international craftsmanship and Indian aesthetics. Spanning an elegantly appointed space, the boutique showcases an extraordinary collection featuring works by distinguished designers like Jean-François Lemaire and Glasremis, each piece carefully selected to narrate a global design story that transcends traditional boundaries.
“India’s emerging luxury design market, with its hunger for authentic and extraordinary experiences, perfectly mirrors Maison Sia’s creative philosophy,” says Vratika Gupta, founder of the brand. “Our flagship store is an example of our dedication to bringing the world’s most exceptional design sagas directly into the homes of sophisticated collectors.”
Anchored by a strong network of international design partnerships, Maison Sia’s Delhi store introduces an innovative retail concept that seamlessly integrates brands like EDRA with local architectural visionaries such as Seza Architects. This store also marks the launch of Maison Sia’s first furniture vertical, Maison Sia x Edra, introducing the collaboration through its carefully curated space. Reflecting the brand’s commitment to design excellence, which earned Maison Sia the prestigious Economic Times’ Excellence in Luxury Retail award, the store communicates a global design language.
The brand’s statement decor reflects precision and craftsmanship, while designer wallpapers add character and sophistication to walls. Their lighting solutions combine artistic design with functionality, using responsibly sourced materials to enhance every corner of your home with thoughtful and innovative design.
Far from the traditional retail experiences, Maison Sia’s Try & Buy approach redefines the boundaries between client imagination and design realization. The brand’s proprietary 3D visualization service acts as a creative conduit, translating design dreams into tangible possibilities, ensuring that each client experiences a reflection of individual aesthetics.
The glamorous Delhi launch of Maison Sia’s flagship store became the epicenter of haute design, drawing an exclusive congregation of UHNIs curated by celebrated personalities like designer Mayyur Girotra and multi-faceted artist Bahaar Dhawan. Bollywood’s style icon Sussanne Khan graced the event, adding her signature aesthetic to the evening, while the store’s opulent interiors told stories of global design influences and exceptional craftsmanship.
The New Delhi flagship store marks a milestone in Maison Sia’s nationwide journey, with more carefully planned stores, each designed to showcase global design excellence. The brand’s ambitious rollout signals a new chapter in luxury home décor, promising to bring extraordinary collections and international design narratives directly to India’s design connoisseurs.
9, Dec 2024
Hummel Chooses Unicommerce to Streamline and Power Its E-Commerce Operations
9th December 2024, New Delhi: Denmark headquartered sportswear brand Hummel has partnered with Unicommerce, one of India’s leading e-commerce enablement SaaS platforms, to streamline its e-commerce operations and enhance its end customers’ post purchase experience across India.
Hummel India has deployed Unicommerce’s multi-channel order management and warehouse management systems to automate its order processing from across its brand website as well as multiple marketplaces. Unicommerce’s technology will allow the brand to process orders placed across different channels through a unified dashboard, which can lead to error-free and faster deliveries of its sports and athleisure wear products.
Additionally, the brand has opted for Unicommerce’s UniShip technology, which is a post-shipment journey solution to help end consumers track and return orders, providing a marketplace-like experience for orders placed on its brand website.
The sports and athleisure wear segment has been witnessing continuous growth in e-commerce order volumes with both new-age digital first brands and traditionally offline brands leveraging technology to manage and fulfil the rising demand. As per Unicommerce’s recent analysis of the Black Friday sale 2024, the sportswear and fitness products category has observed over 65% order volume growth as compared to the same period of the sale last year.
With Hummel India planning to expand its footprint across the country with its exclusive brand stores, the brand’s present focus is on growing its ‘team sports’ and ‘institutional business’ segments. It has currently integrated its brand website, and 3 warehouses with Unicommerce’s platform.
Talking about the recent partnership, Soumava Naskar, Managing Director at Hummel India said, “While our exclusive range of sportswear targets the younger generation which is more tech savvy and digitally driven, our partnership with Unicommerce will help us enhance our operational efficiency making our products widely available to aur audience.”
“The Indian e-commerce market is changing with newer categories making a strong impact, one of which is the sportswear segment”, said Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce. “We are excited to be a part of Hummel’s growth journey as we offer our technology expertise to power their e-commerce operations.”
With a 930 Mn+ annual transaction run rate, 3550+ clients, 8800+ client warehouses and 3150+ client stores, Unicommerce works with India’s marquee brands, leading marketplaces, and logistics service providers to technologically enable end-to-end management of their e-commerce operations. Beyond India, Unicommerce also serves clients in the Middle East & Southeast Asia.
9, Dec 2024
India Tops the List as Largest FDI Investor in London
National, December 09, 2024 – New Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) data from London’s growth agency, London & Partners, reveals that India has become its leading source country for FDI companies, ahead of the US and China.
Over the past three years, the India office has supported 77 Indian companies in scaling their operations and establishing a presence in the UK capital. One such company is the Indian IT giant Mphasis, which opened a new London office in September and has expanded its UK presence over the past year.
Mumbai, often referred to as India’s financial hub, and Bangalore, known as the Silicon Valley of India, are key source cities of FDI, with the Southern and Western regions of India together accounting for the majority of companies expanding to London. Their contributions have steadily grown over the years, with much of the investment concentrated in high-growth sectors such as financial services, enterprise software, creative, fintech, and life sciences.
London & Partners’ India office has also supported two significant trade delegations from London in the past year: The Creative Trade Delegation and the ongoing Fintech and Enterprise Trade Delegation. These missions aim to strengthen the UK capital’s trade links with India.
The Fintech and Enterprise Trade Delegation currently underway this week is connecting London-based companies, including AutogenAI, Builder.ai, Carbon Responsible, and Digiseq, with private enterprises such as banks, large tech companies, and key stakeholders, including governing bodies, in Mumbai and Bangalore.
Janet Coyle CBE, Managing Director, Grow London, London & Partners, said: “We’re bringing some of London’s most innovative fintech and enterprise companies to explore one of the world’s most dynamic markets – India. Mumbai and Bangalore are the perfect entry points into India’s rapidly evolving financial and enterprise tech sectors. This mission is a key priority for us, and I’m excited to be in-market, uncovering the incredible growth opportunities for both trade and FDI ahead.”
Hemin Bharucha, Regional Director – India and Middle East, London & Partners, added: “India is a thriving global leader in enterprise technology and financial innovation. This trade mission is a unique opportunity to strengthen ties between London and India’s rapidly advancing tech ecosystems, further solidifying our partnership as India continues to be an important investor in London.”
